Top prospects for Nashville Predators

NHL.com is providing in-depth prospect analysis for each of its 31 teams from Nov. 16-Dec. 16. Today, the top five prospects for the Nashville Predators, according to NHL.com.

Predators 31 IN 31: [Season preview | 3 Questions | Fantasy breakdown | Behind the numbers]

1. Iaroslav Askarov, G

How acquired: Selected with No. 11 pick in 2020 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Neva St. Petersburg (VHL): 18 GP, 12-3-3, 2.45 GAA, .920 SV%
After a strong season in Russia's second division, Askarov (6-foot-3, 176 pounds) is playing for SKA St. Petersburg in the Kontinental Hockey League. The 18-year-old helped Russia win the Karjala Cup, a four-team tournament with the Czech Republic, Sweden and Finland held Nov. 5-8, when he was 3-0 with an 0.98 goals-against average and a .962 save percentage in three games.
"It's the combination of his physical talent but then also the mental part of it, the competitiveness and the mental strength that he's displayed over the course of time when we've been watching him," Predators assistant general manager Jeff Kealty said. "He's absolutely dynamic with how athletic he is. ... That athleticism and ability to read the play, how well he tracks the play, how hard he competes, when you add it all together we really feel he's got franchise goalie type of ability to him."
Projected NHL arrival: 2022-23

2. Eeli Tolvanen, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 30 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Milwaukee (AHL): 63 GP, 21-15-36
The Predators were happy with how Tolvanen (5-10, 191) developed his game last season, with the right wing becoming more of a two-way threat and playing on the penalty kill. The 21-year-old started this season with Jokerit in the KHL.
"He's really become a very well-rounded player," Kealty said. "The way he can score ... that's been well documented. Where he's really developed in the last couple years is the finer details and the maturity you need to play at the highest level."
Projected NHL arrival: This season

3. Philip Tomasino, F

How acquired:Selected with No. 24 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2019-20 season: Oshawa/Niagara (OHL): 62 GP, 40-60-100
The 19-year-old was fourth in the Ontario Hockey League in scoring last season. The Predators want to see advances in other parts of Tomasino's game before the center (6-0, 179) reaches the NHL.
"It's the day-to-day consistency," Kealty said. "It's being able to play with enough responsibility in the finer areas where you can gain the coach's trust. He can make plays and create and score at a very high level. I think from an offensive standpoint he can fit in with some of your top players. But it's no different than any other young, talented offensive player you're trying to integrate into your lineup. Can they have that maturity and day-to-day consistency in their game?"
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

4. David Farrance, D

How acquired: Selected with No. 92 pick in 2017 NHL Draft
2019-20 season:Boston University (NCAA): 34 GP, 14-29-43
Farrance (5-11, 189) led NCAA defensemen in goals, points, points per game (1.26) and power-play goals (nine) last season. The 21-year-old finished in the top 10 in voting for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top men's NCAA hockey player.
"He's an excellent skater, he can carry pucks up, he can lead the rush, he can join the rush, he can make plays, impact the power play," Kealty said.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season

5. Egor Afanasyev, F

How acquired: Selected with No. 45 pick in 2019 NHL Draft
2019-20 season:Windsor (OHL): 62 GP, 31-36-67
Afanasyev (6-4, 201) led Windsor in goals and tied for the lead in points last season. The 19-year-old left wing was second in scoring at the Karjala Cup with four points (two goals, two assists) in three games for Russia. He is playing on loan with CSKA in the KHL.
Projected NHL arrival: Next season